Miami Cancer Institute's prostate cancer specialists combine compassionate care and medical expertise to provide the best treatment options for our patients. Our oncologists have access to a range of cutting-edge technologies to diagnose and treat your specific type of prostate cancer, allowing them to create a personalized treatment plan that helps address your individual needs.
Our multidisciplinary team consists of internationally renowned prostate cancer physicians who provide advanced diagnosis, treatment and therapies. Each individualized care plan includes innovative treatments and services, such as nutritional advice and physical rehabilitation and pain management, to address your entire journey as a patient. Not only do we focus on the treatment that is right for your type of prostate cancer, we focus on the treatment that is right for you as an individual.
What is prostate cancer?
Prostate cancer is a disease in which malignant (cancerous) cells are found in the tissue of the prostate. It is the most common cancer in men (excluding skin cancers) and second leading cause of cancer death in men in the United States.
The prostate is a gland that makes and stores semen. It is located in front of the rectum, below the bladder, and surrounds the top part of the urethra.
Prostate cancer typically grows slowly over time. Finding the disease early through regular screenings can prevent spread of the disease, reduce side effects and help men live longer. In some cases, prostate cancer can be observed rather than treated immediately – also called active surveillance.
What are the types of prostate cancer?
Nearly all prostate cancers develop from the prostate gland cells (adenocarcinomas). There are several other types of prostate cancer, but they are rare. These types include:
- Sarcomas
- Neuroendocrine tumors
- Urothelial carcinomas
What are the risk factors for prostate cancer?
The greatest risk factor for prostate cancer is age. The chance of a man developing prostate cancer increases significantly after age 50, and most cases occur in men older than 65.
If you have a family history of prostate cancer, you may also be at risk due to certain genetic (inherited) factors. Our genetic counseling and testing team can analyze your risk level and help you come up with a screening plan that can find disease early.
African-American men and Caribbean men of African descent are also more likely to develop prostate cancer. The reason why these men experience more instances of prostate cancer is not clear.
What can you do to prevent prostate cancer?
There is no guaranteed way to prevent cancer. However, you can reduce your risk for prostate cancer by:
- Not using tobacco. Speak with your doctor if you need help quitting.
- Exercising regularly.
- Eating a healthy diet, which includes plenty of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins and low-fat dairy. Talk with your doctor or a nutritionist about what you should include in a healthy diet.
- Keeping a healthy weight. Ask your doctor what a healthy weight is for you.
- Getting regular prostate cancer screenings if you are between ages 55 and 70.
- Asking your doctor about genetic testing. If you have a family history of prostate cancer, you may have an inherited condition that increases your risk for disease.
